The former king under WBC International in the heavyweight division, 52-year-old Nigerian Ike Ibeabuchi (20–0, 15 KO), after a long break once again stepped onto the pro ring. On the night leading into August 24 at the event in Las Vegas he, by achieving victory over compatriot Idris Afenni, marked his return not at a trot but with a confident win.
The bout started dynamic, however by the second–third rounds the advantage tilted to Ibeabuchi’s side. Ike’s opponent refused to continue the fight after the third round, thus the victory by technical stoppage was written to Ibeabuchi. This result was noted as an important psychological step for the boxer whose full statistics remain inviolable.
Interestingly, after this victory Ibeabuchi addressed the current undisputed world champion in the heavyweight category, the Ukrainian Alexander Usyk, openly calling him to a fight. Ike’s statements are not without noise: he emphasized that he wants to return to the top step and to seek a test against a worthy opponent at the elite stage. Such a call, of course, opens the door of new scenarios for promoters and fans, but any decision will be tied to official negotiations and the calendar of organizations.
For information, the Nigerian “master of leather gloves” last climbed into the ring in 1999. On that evening he knocked out the American Chris Byrd in the fifth round, recording one of the brightest victories of his time. Without extra words it should be said that after approximately a quarter-century break, every move, every episode will test his readiness and ambition.
Ibeabuchi’s itinerary of 20 victories (of which 15 — by knockout) still stands as an undefeated record. This evening in Las Vegas opened a new chapter in his pro career: a starting point for recovery, for rising further through the rating steps and for approaching big titles.
At the same time, for the post-fight call to come to a practical form, time, conditions and coordination between organizations are required. In any case, the return of Ike Ibeabuchi added interest and intrigue to the picture of the heavyweight — and now the turn is for official news regarding his next opponent and the exact date.
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